Just thought a little Chistmas cheer might be apprecitated. This was the best way I could think of to hid my boat while the yard and house was decorated for Christmas.

Choosing a name is difficult whether it be for a dog, a child, a weblog or a boat. We want to choose a name that is appropriate and meaningful. I have thought about not naming our boat, but everyone seems to think that is just somehow wrong. After giving it some thought I settled on the name 'ARose' for our boat for three reasons.

First, I wanted something to honor God so it couldn't be anything vulgar. The name ARose honors God and reminds me that the most important event in the history of the world was when Jesus Christ arose to prove his defeat of sin, death and the grave as a gift for all of mankind who would receive him.

Second, my wife's first initial is A and her middle name is Rose. She is the most important person in the world to me and it is always good to show honor and love toward the wife.

Finally, when we really boil it all down, William Shakespeare had it right in the play Romeo and Juliet when he wrote "What's in a name? That which we call a rose/By any other name would smell as sweet" (Romeo and Juliet act II, sc. ii). The point being, it really doesn't matter what you call it, what really matters is what it is.

What's in a name? That is really up to you. So, don't worry so much about the name, get out there and sail. 'ARose' by any other name would sail as sweet.

I have never really thought of myself as a water bug, but I have always been curious about sailing. My first expereince setting foot on a sailboat was several years ago aboard the anchored Elizabeth II. Last summer, my wife and I boarded the anchored Cisne Branco at the Pepsi America's Sail in Beaufort, NC. But I had never actually been sailing. After reading books and websites I decided to purchase a 16 foot Hutchins Com-Pac and give sailing a try. The reasons for this selection as a first boat are pretty well described in the web article "Its The Boat". The picture above is of the boat before I bought it. It was in good shape, but I am doing a few things to make it work better for me. I really love sailing. It has proven to be a great way to experience active relaxation and see some beautiful areas of our great state without a great deal of money. I am still learning, but my littel CP16 has proven to be a good choice.